History VideoGame / NeedForSpeedUnbound

** The Underground Leagues feature a challenge put forward by a myterious racer known only as "Racer X", [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/racer_x_vs_driver_x.jpg who looks just like "Driver X"]], one of the racers in ''VideoGame/Juiced2HotImportNights''.

** The Underground Leagues feature a challenge put forward by a myterious racer known only as "Racer X", [[https://preview.redd.it/o59nsfyx402d1.jpeg who looks just like "Driver X"]], one of the racers in ''VideoGame/Juiced2HotImportNights''.

-->''Yo Speedie! Are you finished reading? Then hurry up an index the page already! I've got a marathon series of catch up.''

** The Underground Leagues feature a challenge put forward by a myterious racer known only as "Racer X", [[https://preview.redd.it/o59nsfyx402d1.jpeg who looks just like "Driver X"]], one of the racers in ''Film/Juiced2HotImportNights''.

* ShoutOut: ''Unbound'' sure has lots of references to boot.
** This is what you get from a [[Creator/CriterionGames Criterion]]-developed game. Expect some ''VideoGame/{{Burnout}}'' references.

*** In the garage menu, you can clearly see a neon sign reading "VideoGame/{{Burnout}}" with a neon tube forming an image of the [[https://burnout.fandom.com/wiki/Carson_Annihilator Carson Annihilator]], one of the many [[{{Fauxrrari}} lookalikes to real-life cars]] [[note]]in this case, a combination of the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner (front and midsection) and 1971 Dodge Charger (rear)[[/note]] used in ''VideoGame/BurnoutParadise''. [[note]][[https://preview.redd.it/deep-easter-egg-in-nfs-unbound-the-neon-in-the-safehouse-is-v0-4kxnk1z1ax3a1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=3af3b42210d7a853ccad8f5278d7585ff661d820 This is actually the same neon sign used in]] Criterion's RealLife office[[/note]]

** Rydell mentioned about watching a RealLife Website/{{Vine}} meme. [[spoiler:"Road work ahead, I sure hope it does!"]]

-->''Yo Speedie! Are you finished reading? Then hurry up an index the page already! I've got a marathon series of catch up. The Lake better watch out!''

** Crashed? Taking a while to respawn? Well, Vol. 7 takes a page from EA Creator/BlackBox with the ability to reset back on track, with [[ResetButton manual resets]] enabled. Perfect when you screw up in your sessions. You must be at least under 30 mph (48 km/h) to make it work.

*** The 2018 Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 (and its Spyder variant), which returns from ''Heat'', is labelled as the Lamborghini Huracán RWD and it is marketed as a 2015 model, despite production of that car starting a year later. Also when there is a "RWD" on the moniker, it's mostly referred to the facelifed Huracán EVO RWD than the LP 580-2.

** Team Kaizen has sent their regards at best. With Vol.7 finally bringing back drag racing. But not just any drag race, it's a mix of the classic with the modern; an ''Underground''-style 4-way drag race with ''lane switching'' and ''[=ProStreet=]''/2015-style tire warm up sequence. Bonus points for the HeadsUpDisplay that looks even identical to the one used in drag events. And while drift events already existed in the game, the major update introduces "Drift Pro" a new form of drifting with new physics and camera angles that accentuate with ''Underground'', complete with remarks like "Nice Drift", "Good Drift", "Great Drift", and so on. Sadly, those modes are restricted to Lakeshore Online multiplayer only.

** In the ''Underground-themed'' Vol. 7 update, the LED rims (a premium reward for reaching level 7 of the RewardsPass) [[https://x.com/NeedforSpeed/status/1791121622834827713 featuring an animation of a turbo gauge]]. That's the exact same turbo gauge design used in the HeadsUpDisplay of ''Underground''.

* EarlyGameHell: The early game is equal parts slow and difficult for various reasons: your starter car barely has the performance rating to beat the top racers of your class, meaning there's a slim chance of finishing in first place. There are very few events to take part in until you have enough cash to upgrade the garage the offer better upgrades. And it can be very grueling to deal with the increased heat after every race. So it's possible to reach heat level 5 at the very beginning, meaning you will have to deal against the unforgiving Heavy units where you'd possibly won't stand a chance if your car is underequipped. But as you upgrade the garage and fit high-end upgrades, you're sure enough to pull away from the competition by miles or even outrun the LPD with ease, and earn a ton of cash, despite the slightly expensive buy-ins.

* GameplayAndStorySegregation: During the prologue, Yaz wanted that tuning kit she'd gun for to go with the restored junker, which is essentially a [[PimpedOutCar Legendary Customs body kit]]. The game doesn't stop you from not selecting it, so you can enjoy driving the car with whatever customization you have up until the part where Yaz drives the car away during the raid of Rydell's Rydes. But as Yaz suddenly shows up at a meetup announcing The Grand, the car is equipped with said Legendary Customs body kit for some reason.
* TheGhost: Alec, [[spoiler:the game's BigBad alongside Tess]] who is constantly mentioned and referred to by numerous characters, but he's never seen or heard.

* NoPartyGiven: Neither the incumbent mayor of Lakeshore nor the candidate challenging her are assigned a named political party, though both of their platform combine aspects from both sides of the American political spectrum.

* OnlyOneName: Majority of the characters and racers are only known by their given names. Averted for the two politicians, Mayor Morgan Stevenson ([[spoiler:and if you also count the podcaster]], [[spoiler:Aaliyah Michelle Stevenson, who is actually the mayor's daughter]]) and Holden Parker III as they are the only 2 two to have a surname.

** Remember the Mitsubishi Eclipse that got its pimping in the intro of ''Underground''? The car is finally yours to drive in the Vol.7 update, and for some reason, Team Kaizen claims that this car belongs to Melissa. Plus, the Speedhunters Edition of the aforementioned 2024 Mustang Dark Horse, built for drag, [[https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/ea/need-for-speed-unbound/common/vol-7/optimized-assets/nfs-unbound-vol7-speedpasspremium-key-art-1.jpg.adapt.1920w.jpg complete with a drag spoiler, parachute, and a supercharged blower]]. The same would do for the [[https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/ea/need-for-speed-unbound/common/vol-7/optimized-assets/nfsub-vol07-content-03-speedpass-free-3840x2160-nologo.jpg.adapt.1920w.jpg Underground Dragster - BMW M3 Competition Touring, minus said blower]]. Additionally, there's now "Music Reactive Projections", which are animated underglows with crazy designs.

* ScunthorpeProblem: The license plate name generator when customizing cars censors usage of swear words and insults, which also includes letters forming swear words inside of harmless ones. It's ironic those words are filtered out in a game where it's full of vulgar dialogue. Even phrases and names from third-party works such as "[[Franchise/TheFastAndTheFurious Toretto]]" or "[[Manga/InitialD Takumi]]" would be considered "profanity" though it's justified as means of copyright prevention.

** Another ''Initial D'' reference has one of the Drift Pro events named "Myogi Nights", referring to the team Myogi [=NightKids=] of Takeshi Nakazato and Shoji Shingo. Another is named "Takahashi Special" which are the [=RedSuns=] Rotary brothers Keisuke and Ryosuke Takahashi.

** As with past ''NFS'' games (particularly the [[Creator/EAGothenburg Ghost Games]] entries), you can change the license plate text, frame, and backgrounds, which includes the background designs used since ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedRivals''. However, for the first time ever, you can now use ''real'' [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_license_plate_designs_and_serial_formats designs from across the United States]],[[note]]although California's design (which has two variants in this game) appeared in [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeed2015 the 2015 reboot]], since that game's setting, the fictional Ventura Bay, was stated to be located in that state,[[/note]] including UsefulNotes/AmericanSamoa, as well as a couple of Japanese plates (including one with a diagonal red line across the plate that indicates an unregistered car with a temporary registration, which has a history with JDM culture).
** Introduced in Vol. 7 adds animated LED license plates obtained as a premium RewardsPass item.

** Team Kaizen has sent their regards at best. With Vol.7 finally bringing back drag racing. But not just any drag race, it's a mix of the classic with the modern; an ''Underground''-style 4-way drag race with ''lane switching'' and ''[=ProStreet=]''/2015-style tire warm up sequence. Bonus points for the HeadsUpDisplay that looks even identical to the one used in drag events. And while drift events already existed in the game, the major update introduces "Drift Pro" a new form of drifting with new physics and camera angles that accentuate with ''Underground'', complete with remarks like "Nice Drift", "Good Drift", "Great Drift", and so on. Sadly, those modes are only exclusive to Lakeshore Online multiplayer only.

** Another ''Initial D'' reference has one of the Drift Pro events named "Myogi Nights", referring to the Myogi [=NightKids=] team of Takeshi Nakazato and Shoji Shingo.

* InterfaceScrew: The game's HUD glitches whenever you collide or land from a jump.

** Team Kaizen has sent their regards at best. With Vol.7 finally bringing back drag racing. But not just any drag race, it's a mix of the classic with the modern; an ''Underground''-style 4-way drag race with ''lane switching'' and ''[=ProStreet=]''/2015-style tire warm up sequence. And while drift events already existed in the game, the major update introduces "Drift Pro" a new form of drifting with new physics and camera angles that accentuate with ''Underground'', complete with remarks like "Nice Drift", "Good Drift", "Great Drift", and so on. Sadly, those modes are only exclusive to Lakeshore Online multiplayer only.

* EarlyGameHell: The early game is equal parts slow and difficult for various reasons: your starter car barely the performance rating to beat the top racers of your class, meaning there's a slim chance of finishing in first place. There are very few events to take part in until you have enough cash to upgrade the garage the offer better upgrades. And it can be very grueling to deal with the increased heat after every race. So it's possible to reach heat level 5 at the very beginning, meaning you will have to deal against the unforgiving Heavy units where you'd possibly won't stand a chance if your car is underequipped. But as you upgrade the garage and fit high-end upgrades, you're sure enough to pull away from the competition by miles or even outrun the LPD with ease, and earn a ton of cash, despite the slightly expensive buy-ins.

* NitroBoost: This time, it works in a slightly different way. While there is normal nitrous (indicated in blue) which is filled up over time or by using a gas station, there are also three bars of Burst Nitrous (indicated in yellow) that are filled up by doing stunts like near misses, drifts, and jumps, and can be used in conjunction with the normal boost to reach even higher speeds or to have a quick burst of acceleration out of a corner.

* OldSaveBonus: For those who have played ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedHeat'', as bonus, you get rewarded the custom [=McLaren=] [=F1=], complete with its special Black Market body kit.

!!SOMEBODY SAY, "HEY, WE WANT EXAMPLES" [[note]]HEY, WE WANT EXAMPLES[[/note]]

* AlienGeometries:
** Vol. 6 adds "Infinity Rims and Plates", which are items with a deep 3D effect, added gratuitous TronLines, and both defy the laws of physics and geometry.

* AndYourRewardIsClothes: Vol. 6's RewardsPass allows you to unlock "player skins" for multiplayer, where said skin are actually the rival racers. So tha means... you get to be as Justicia, Ross and Younma. Or... upgrade to Premium, and you get to play as Rydell!

* BookEnds: ''Unbound'' starts with your PlayerCharacter and Yaz arriving at Rydell's Rydes with their starter junker and it [[spoiler:ends at the same characters above arriving at a now-diminishing Rydell's Rydes with their [[PimpedOutCar junker already souped-up]].]]

* GameplayAndStorySegregation: No matter what, whenever you return to either of the safehouses, you end up in Rydell's Rydes nonetheless.

* HiddenInPlainSight: LPD's Undercover units are black, unmarked Chevrolet Camaro [=Z28s=], [[VillainousLegacy akin to Danny Shaw's car]] in ''Heat''. They're not visible on your map and blend in with the traffic, especially at night, making these units a pain to deal with when not in pursuit. Oh, and look out for [[PopTheTires spike strips]] too.

-->[[spoiler:''"The Lake better watch out."'']]

[[JustForFun/TheOneWith The one]] with cartoon aesthetics aplenty.

** Team Kaizen has sent their regards at best. With Vol.7 finally bringing back drag racing. But not just any drag race, it's a mix of the classic with the modern; an ''Underground''-style 4-way drag race with ''lane switching'' and ''[=ProStreet=]''/2015-style tire warm up sequence.
** Also in Vol. 7, the LED rims (a premium reward for reaching level 7 of the RewardsPass) [[https://x.com/NeedforSpeed/status/1791121622834827713 featuring an animation of a turbo gauge]]. That's the exact same turbo gauge design used in the HeadsUpDisplay of ''Underground''.

* AlienGeometries: Vol. 6 adds "Infinity Rims and Plates", which are items with a deep 3D effect, added gratuitous TronLines, and both defy the laws of physics and geometry.

** Crashed? Taking a while to respawn? Well, Vol.7 takes a page from EA Creator/BlackBox with the ability to reset back on track, with [[ResetButton manual resets]] enabled. Perfect when you screw up in your sessions. You must be at least under 30 mph (48 km/h) to make it work.

*** Vol.7 adds not one but ''two'' new cars fresh from oven; the new seventh-generation Ford Mustang Dark Horse and the BMW M3 Competition Touring (G81), both having a Drag-spec and Drift-spec Speedhunters Edition for the two respective new rides.

*** With the December 2023 update, you can choose the "Original" Driving Effect, which means realistic smoke without the {{Animesque}} street art coming out of your drift, which would [[SubvertedTrope subvert]] this trope. Vol 6. also adds realistic colorful tire smoke obtained via RewardsPass, something the previous [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedPayback two]] [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedHeat games]] already did. Realistic or stylistic? All up to you.

** Remember the Mitsubishi Eclipse that got its pimping in the intro of ''Underground''? The car is finally yours to drive in the Vol.7 update, and for some reason, Team Kaizen claims that this car belongs to Melissa.

* ScunthorpeProblem: The license plate name generator when customizing cars censors usage of swear words and insults, which also includes letters forming swear words inside of harmless ones. Even phrases and names from third-party works such as "[[Franchise/TheFastAndTheFurious Toretto]]" or "[[Manga/InitialD Takumi]]" would be considered "profanity" though it's justified as means of copyright prevention.

* VanityLicensePlate: As with past ''NFS'' games (particularly the [[Creator/EAGothenburg Ghost Games]] entries), you can change the license plate text, frame, and backgrounds, which includes the background designs used since ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedRivals''. However, for the first time ever, you can now use ''real'' [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_license_plate_designs_and_serial_formats designs from across the United States]],[[note]]although California's design (which has two variants in this game) appeared in [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeed2015 the 2015 reboot]], since that game's setting, the fictional Ventura Bay, was stated to be located in that state,[[/note]] including UsefulNotes/AmericanSamoa, as well as a couple of Japanese plates (including one with a diagonal red line across the plate that indicates an unregistered car with a temporary registration, which has a history with JDM culture).

* LocalHangout: Meetups are hangout spots from where multiple events are raced at. Simply put, they're like the race days from ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedProStreet ProStreet]]'' but in illicit street racing form.

*** One example is the Lotus Emira, which is marketed as a 2021 model. While it was announced on July of that year, production of the Emira didn't start until a year later.
*** Another is the 2018 Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 (and its Spyder variant) from ''Heat'', which appears as the Lamborghini Huracán RWD and it is marketed as a 2015 model, despite production of that car starting a year later. Also when there is a "RWD" on the moniker, it's mostly referred to the facelifed Huracán EVO RWD than the LP 580-2.

*** Also in Vol. 6 has a multiplayer [=PvP=] pool called "The Need for Speed", which is indeed an inspiration of 1994's ''VideoGame/TheNeedForSpeed'', the franchise's very first game. Even the banner imitates the cover art, featuring the Ferrari Testarossa in it. [[note]]In the original game, the car used is actually a Ferrari 512 TR, a revised variant of the said Testarossa.[[/note]] One of the race events is even called "Road & Track", a reference to the popular automotive magazine that once collaborated with EA for that game.

* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: No Audi and Toyota for you, as those two brands are completely absent from the car lineup. For the latter's case, this has been the case after ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed2015''. In Audi's case it was ultimately averted when a Vol. 6 update saw the return of the Audi R8 and S5 Sportback, last seen in ''Heat'', plus a new generation 2020 RS 6 Avant added on the bundle.

* CutAndPasteSuburb: Subverted. To make the trope count, the rivals' safehouse all look identical , especially during Racer SOS {{Escort Mission}}s.

* DoWellButNotPerfect: {{Implied|Trope}} during an in-game tip in the LoadingScreen that "if you're making money you're winning; it's not just about coming first".

* ScunthorpeProblem: The license plate name generator when customizing cars censors usage of swear words and insults, works which also includes hidden swear words inside of harmless ones. Even phrases and names from third-party works such as "[[Franchise/TheFastAndTheFurious Toretto]]" or "[[Manga/InitialD Takumi]]" would be considered "profanity" though it's justified as means of copyright prevention.

* CowboyCop: The LPD is this in spades, as the cops put in some colorful language, act unprofessionally, become impatient and often use aggressive language when pursuing racers. While some cops often call suspects as "perp" (short for "perpetrator"), others will use rather insulting ones like "clown" or "moron".

* FisherKing: The Vol. 4 update, which is focused on Porsche, has the Kennedy Test Track getting a Porsche makeover with banners and art of the titular manufacturer scattered around the area, reflecting the 75th anniversary of the brand.

* GameplayAndStorySegregation:
** The game's heat stays the same regardless if you buy a new car or switch to a different one. It seems that the LPD has some way to detecting you even if you drive a car that has no criminal record.
** No matter what, whenever you return to either of the safehouses, you end up in Rydell's Rydes nonetheless.

-->-- '''A$AP Rocky''', Takeover introduction

*** Another is the 2018 Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 (and its Spyder variant) from ''Heat'', which appears as the Lamborghini Huracán RWD and it is marketed as a 2015 model, despite production of that car starting a year later. Also when the if there is a "RWD" on the moniker, it's mostly referred to the facelifed Huracán EVO RWD than the LP 580-2.

* ScunthorpeProblem: The license plate name generator when customizing cars censors usage of swear words and insults, works which also includes hidden swear words inside of harmless ones. Even phrases and names from third-party works such as "[[Franchise/TheFastAndTheFurious Toretto]]" or "[[Manga/InitialD]]" would be considered "profanity" though it's justified as it is means of copyright prevention.

** The 2018 Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 (and its Spyder variant) from ''Heat'' appears as the Lamborghini Huracán RWD and it is marketed as a 2015 model, despite production of that car starting a year later. Lamborghini only uses the "RWD" moniker for the Huracán EVO models.
** The Lotus Emira is marketed as a 2021 model. While it was announced on July of that year, production of the Emira didn't start until a year later.

* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: No Audi and Toyota for you, as those two brands are completely absent from the car lineup. For the latter's case, this has been the case after ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed2015''.
** Finally averted for Audi's end when a Vol. 6 update adds the return of the Audi R8 and S5 Sportback, last seen in ''Heat'', plus a new generation 2020 RS 6 Avant added on the bundle.

*** With an Audi themed update for Vol. 6, especially [[TheBusCameBack marking the brand's return]], enjoy the ''Vorsprung durch technik'' experience with the return of the S5 Sportback, the 2019 R8 Coupé, and fresh off the boat, the new 2020 Audi RS 6 Avant. Body kits of said Avant allows it to resemble the Group B Sport Quattro rally car.

* MissionPackSequel: Not so much the game itself, but the car lineup. Basically, about ''all'' of the cars from ''Heat'', including almost all of the bonus cars (except Audi) are carried over in ''Unbound'' with just a few added cars.

** Introduced in Vol. 6 has the [[https://www.gtplanet.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image-1-7.jpg "Michèle" - Custom RS 6 Avant]], with its body kit and livery design truly inspired by the Group B Audi Quattro S1 E2 that was driven by Michèle Mouton competed in the 1985 UsefulNotes/WorldRallyChampionship. Other Audis added in the bundle has the Nextech Tourenwagen S5 and a [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedCarbon Darius]]-inspired 2019 Audi R8 Coupé.

* DeathIsASlapOnTheWrist: Well, not death, but rather getting arrested. Getting a huge fine after getting busted? Nah. They still won't impound your car, like what happened in ''Heat''.

* EldritchAbomination: Vol. 6 adds "Infinity Rims and Plates", which are items with a deep 3D effect, added gratuitous TronLines, and both defy the laws of physics and geometry.

* AndYourRewardIsClothes: Vol. 6's RewardsPass allows you to unlock "player skins", where said skin are actually the rival racers. So tha means... you get to be as Justicia, Ross and Younma. Or... upgrade to Premium, and you get to play as Rydell!

*** With an Audi themed update for Vol. 6, especially [[TheBusCameBack marking the brand's return]], enjoy the ''Vorsprund durch technik'' experience with the return of the S5 Sportback, the 2019 R8 Coupé, and fresh off the boat, the new 2020 Audi RS 6 Avant. Body kits of said Avant allows it to resemble the Group B Sport Quattro rally car.

* MadeOfPlasticine: The cop cars in ''Unbound'' are far more fragile than ''Heat'', where even a slight collision would cause their car to get destroyed. It's possible for even a supercar to easily takedown an AWD or a Heavy ''head-on'' and not receive any damage from your car.